Final answer:
The atmosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere have profoundly affected living things by shaping Earth's conditions for life, including changes in atmospheric composition, geological activity shaping landforms and habitats, and the influence of water systems on climate and life distribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Throughout Earth's history, the atmosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere have continuously shaped the conditions that affect all living organisms. The origins and diversity of life on Earth can be traced back to the interplay between these spheres and the biosphere. For instance, photosynthetic life forms have significantly reduced atmospheric CO2 levels over time, replacing it with oxygen, facilitating the evolution and adaptation of aerobic life forms.
The Earth's geosphere, which includes the lithosphere, and the continuous geological activity such as volcanic eruptions, has reshaped the Earth's surface. This activity contributed to the formation of diverse habitats, playing a critical role in the development of varied ecosystems. Meanwhile, the hydrosphere, encompassing all of the planet's water systems, has been essential for life, influencing the distribution and abundance of organisms through factors like climate regulation and nutrient cycling.
Human activities are now rapidly impacting these natural processes and consequently the planet's atmosphere and ecology. Examples of such impacts include the atmospheric greenhouse effect and global warming, with consequent effects like rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Human-driven changes can produce challenging conditions for many living organisms, potentially leading to shifts in biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics.